KOTA KINABALU: Four reachstackers and three empty container handlers (ECH) for container handling operations have arrived at the Sapangar Bay Container Port (SBCP), Tawau Port and Sandakan Port.
Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd (SPSB) said in a stab tement yesterday that these equipment, used for transporting and stacking of containers, are essential in yard side operations so as to enhance the operational efficiency at these ports.
Two reachstackers and two ECH are each assigned to SBCP. Tawau Port will receive one unit each whilst Sandakan Port will receive one reachstacker to complement the existing equipment at their respective ports.
As part of its 30-year master plan to strengthen port performance via improved yard side operations, SPSB conducts periodic reviews of the performance of its cargo handling equipment and procures new equipment that are due for replacement.
With the commissioning of these newly arrived equipment, the ports expect delivery time of containers to be shortened and less waiting time for port users.
Ng Kiat Min, Managing Director of Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd said: “We have made significant investments to position our ports for growth potential. Since the completion of our prior yard expansion works at SBCP and Sandakan Port, we have been able to improve our services, overcome capacity issues and cater for new business.
“We have made it a priority to improve container handling performance by addressing constraints of aged equipment as well as limited units of container handling equipment at SPSB ports. Our aim is to effectively utilise yard space while achieving a systematic and faster pace of container delivery to our users. Our long-term approach is to strengthen our delivery system, be cost effective and become more customer centric”.
Since acquiring the port operations from Sabah Ports Authority, SPSB has spent slightly over RM1.0 billion to upgrade port facilities and equipment.
During the recent Suria Capital Holdings Berhad’s annual general meeting (AGM) in June, its chairman, Tan Sri Ibrahim Menudin announced that at least another RM300 million would be spent on port development which is expected to include additional procurement of port equipment.
